Jade blew out a frustrated breath. “Yes, unfortunately. It’s my older brother.”
* * * *
If there was ever a time Jade wanted the world to open up and swallow her, it was now. Too bad she wasn’t a strong swimmer, because she would have kicked off and swam for New Zealand. Maybe she should try anyway and see how far she could get. Anything would be better than facing her police officer brother.
Thankfully, Nate’s body was shielding her so Connor couldn’t see her naked. That’s definitely something she didn’t need her big brother witnessing. God, how much did he see? She’d never be able to look him in the eye again.
“Jade Kathleen Brennan, get your arse out of the water now!” Connor shouted.
Jade groaned and thumped her head on Nate’s back. “Kill me now please. All you need to do is hold my head under the water. One minute, two tops should do it.” Then she grabbed Nate by the wrist, turned him around, and dropped his hand on top of her head. “Now push.”
Nate chuckled and moved his hand under her chin and raised it. Water dripped off his hair and down his face. He took her breath away, and she almost forgot her brother was on the beach ready to taser them—almost.
“If I have to tell you again, I’m going to…going to…” Conner yelled.
“What, come in and get me?” She peeked around Nate’s shoulder just in time to see Connor push his fingers through his hair and shake his head. “If you want me to come out, you need to leave.”
“So you can continue what you were doing? Shit…the image is back in my brain.”
She didn’t have to wonder what he’d seen, probably a fair bit. Damn this full moon shining on them like a spotlight.
During the shouting between her and Connor, Nate hadn’t said a word. Didn’t even drown her like she’d asked. She looked at him and frowned. “Well…do something.”
His eyes grew round. “What am I supposed to do? I’m worried if I say something, your brother might shoot me.”
“Wuss. He’s never shot anyone.” She slapped him on the chest and let her hand linger for a beat. She’d really been enjoying feeling his firm body until she was rudely interrupted.
“I don’t want him to start with me. He’s busted his little sister naked in the arms of a stranger.”
As if Connor could hear their quiet exchange, he yelled, “Who the hell are you with anyway? I’ll lock him up for luring you here.”
Nate’s eyebrows lifted. “If only he knew I’m the innocent party, and his sister convinced me this was a good idea.” He smiled with a gorgeous, crooked grin.
“I’m his sweet, little sister. He wouldn’t believe it.”
Nate looked unconvinced.
Then she called out, “Leave my friend out of this. We’re coming out, but you’ll need to turn around.”
“Please don’t tell me you’re completely naked.” Connor groaned.
“I’ve got undies on but…my bra floated away somewhere.”
He swore like an overprotective brother, not an authoritative police officer.
“That was an expensive bra you lost,” she said sternly to Nate.
“I can’t say I’m sorry.” His gaze was dark and hooded.
A tremor traveled through her body. But she mentally shook herself. Her brother was only a few meters away.
“Okay, I’m turning around,” Connor said.
As much as she wanted to stay in the water and not face her brother, she knew she couldn’t put it off any longer.
Peeking around Nate, Jade checked to make sure her brother had his back to them. “Okay, it’s safe to leave.”
“Safe?” Nate rubbed his chin.
